What should food bloggers write about?

This post is for food bloggers and food blog readers alike! My hope here is just to bring up a little think/talk/virtual coffee date sesh about what food bloggers should write about. Food bloggers, let’s think about what you like to write about, and food blog readers, let’s think about what you like to read about, because that’s sort of the end goal here. A matchy match on both sides of the story.

Every once in a while, I sit down at the computer to write a post and my brain is literally empty. Zero words. No thoughts. BLEH. And by every once in a while I mean all the time lately. Usually I am overflowing with words and thoughts and ideas and random stories that I feel an urgent need to share on a food blog (?), but somehow that just *poof* disappears when I try to write at times like 11pm or 5am, which has kind of been the norm as of lately.

And now, see, I’m already off track. This is why I need a conversation about what food bloggers should write about.

How do you know what to write about?

To start honestly, at this point in my “food blog journey” and yes I did just use that phrase, I just take it as it comes. I’ve found after yeeears of doing this (coming up on 4 years to be exact, so I’m basically a blog grandma) that I can write with the most authentic voice if I’m just true to whatever I feel like writing about. It sounds most natural, it’s easy to write, it comes across as authentic. Because it is.

The problem comes when I don’t feel like writing about anything, and in that case, I hole up in bed with a jar of Nutella.

Juuust kidding. {eyes dart up and to the left}

When I’m stuck at the keyboard with nothing in my mind but chocolate oblivion, I try to go one of two ways.

1. The Food Talk

If life has been kinda ho-hum or I’ve just dry for anything interesting to talk about, then it probably makes the most sense to get started by just writing about the recipe. Whiiich is kind of a “duh” moment because we are talking about food blogs. But even though it’s so simple, it can be surprisingly hard. It’s like I sit down, get the recipe in there, have the pictures in place. Now, uh, what do I have to say? Yum. The End.

Here are some ideas of food related writing material that I use for inspo when I’m stuck. I’m not the only one, right?

explaining what ingredients are typically used and how the dish is traditionally made – Jun-Blog is spot-on here

walking through how you did each specific step: Pioneer Woman has this down pat + she’s hilarious while doing it

your own made-up question and answer about the food or recipe, like when I did that for those plantains that I’m craving right now

2. The Telling of a Story

As I have started to develop more of a relationship with my readers (I’m lookin’ at you, xo), I’ve started sharing more beyond-the-food stories. Like dumb little stories about going to the movies. Or more experiential stories about living the Philippines. Or pictures of my house. Did I really just put those on the world wide webby? What in the world. Or even serious, sad, and deep in my heart stories about Bjork’s young aunt passing away after a battle with early onset Alzheimer’s. If it’s on my heart, I try to authentically share it in a way that is compatible with the recipe that I’m posting.

This is powerful because a) it’s authentic! three cheers! and b) because people love love love stories. Myself included. I remember once I read a post by Joy the Baker and I can still remember the hilarious story she shared about a misplaced bee and a taken-off shirt in the middle of downtown (major paraphrase there – apologies, Joy). But guess what? I have no recollection whatsoever of what the recipe was in that post. Yet I vividly remember reading that post because of the story, and I remember it again whenever I think of her blog. That’s sticky and it’s good.

Here are some great examples of powerful, moving, and engaging stories that I’ve seen:

a story that describes why the food was made and brings you into the experience, like this post from way back when

a story about the person who gave you the recipe – this was one of the first posts I ever read by Jessica of How Sweet Eats and even though it’s old, IMO it’s a perfect blend of food talk with story

a story that’s random and funny, like the Joy Bee Story that I just found! awesome

reflections and authentic sharing of what’s on your heart, like this lovely New Year’s recipe post by Sara of Sprouted Kitchen

To my food bloggers, remember that we want to not only provide useful content (a rockin’ recipe) but that we also want to connect and share with a group of people who want to read our blogs. And that connection is built not just because of the recipes, but because of who YOU are as a person and how well your reader can feel like they know you. And the goal is that you can very authentically communicate who you with your readers through your stories and your voice.

In the last two years, I have changed my approach from just cranking out recipe after recipe to seeing my blog as a documenting of my story. Our year-long adventure in the Philippines sort of opened that door for me. The face of the blog is food, but I hope it always also tells the story of our lives and the people around us.

3. Always, always, always

One last thing that I always consider a non-negotiable no matter what I’m talking about that day: describe the food. I sometimes forget because I get wrapped up in the gab fest, but it’s really important to me that I communicate to you, my food friends, what the FOOD is like and even more importantly, why I love it.

The fun of reading food blogs is seeing people passionately in love with their food and oh my gosh, I just wrote that. Passionately in love with their food. Wow. But it’s so exciting to read about someone talking about something they love, and turning that individual love into a collective experience with a group of virtual friends is just a really cool thing.

Blogger Words of Wisdom

I most definitely did hunt down my favorite food blog writers and harass them until they gave me their responses to the question, “What should food bloggers write about?”

Bev says: What shouldfoodbloggerswrite about? Any ol’ dang thing you please. Just make sure it sounds like you. Of course this is coming from someone whose voice is resemblant of an armpit fart, but what are ya gonna do? I’m not one to wax poetically on the juiciness of spring strawberries, or the soul warming effects of freshly baked bread, or the velvet nature of melting chocola – AND now I’m starving. But if that’s who you are, that’s who you are! Don’t be afraid to talk about toenails (don’t listen to me), ingrown hairs (again, ignore every word) or dirty diapers (seriously, just run away). Write what makes your heart do a little skip dee do, and call it a day. And then go melt some chocolate.

Stephanie says:Tell stories. Write about what feels authentic to you. Maybe you made this muffin recipe because it reminded you of baking with your mom when you were knee-high to a grasshopper; maybe you made it because you found out your neighbor is sick and you wanted to bring over comfort in carbs; maybe you made it because you needed a little downtime in the kitchen, and this recipe provided that. The story doesn’t have to be epic or necessarily unique, but it has to be true. People want to be connected to you, to know more about who you are, why you decided to make muffins today and why those muffins are just oh-so-tasty to you.

Liz says: I don’t think that there’s one right answer to the question of what you should write about on your food blog. You really have to play to your own strengths. If writing is not your forte, let your beautiful images or delicious recipes do most of the talking.

But if writing is something that you enjoy, then by all means, make writing a central feature of your blog. Like the blogs that I enjoy reading, most of my posts include a story about what’s going on in my life or a notable event from my past, which is at least loosely related to the featured recipe. To be true to Carpé Season’s concept that life is seasonal, I will occasionally write about heavier, less-humorous topics, but for the most part, I try to keep my writing light and funny because I think that most people use food blogs as a quick source of entertainment as well as for recipe inspiration. Plus, I want to be everybody’s funniest friend.

If you are going to invest in your writing, my biggest recommendation is to let your personality come through. Some of my most responded-to posts have included major fails like times that I’ve totally stuck my foot in my mouth. People seem to respond to vulnerability, even if it’s cloaked in six layers of self-deprecating sarcasm.

When it comes to describing the recipe itself, I suggest keeping that portion somewhat brief and letting people read the recipe itself. I usually try to describe any interesting components of the recipe and highlight something that makes it stand out – a particular flavor or texture, or how easy it was to make. I try to keep it classy and avoid using the word amazeballs, but sometimes there’s just no getting around it.

Bottom line: Creating blog posts should be enjoyable, or you won’t stick with it. Figure out what your strengths are and what you want your blog to convey, and write – a lot or a little – along those lines. Find a writing style that helps you get in a rhythm and doesn’t stress you out.

Jessica says: I personally think that bloggersshouldwrite about what comes naturally to them. And they shouldwrite about what they themselves would like to read. It may sound crazy, but I’m not interested in paragraphs upon paragraphs of the recipe itself. I’d rather read something relatable, maybe even something that has little to do with the recipe but can be tied in at the end. Finish up with a line or two on why the dish is fab… and boom. I’m happy.

Hey guys? Just one thing you should never do as a food blogger: write posts this long. Ohmygosh. If you are not drowning in the many words of this post, I SO SO SO welcome your thoughts on this topic.

180 Comments

This is a great post. Since I haven’t even been blogging for a year, I’ve struggled with this a good bit. I want to consistently put out great content, but for me, posting every day just seems to be a little unrealistic. I don’t think I can fully develop whatever it is that I want to say and make each post as polished as I want it to be. I am really in awe of some of the bloggers that post almost every day, with a new recipe.

Lindsay, I truly enjoy following your blog for so many reasons and this post is one of them. You are so honest! I have always appreciated that you are super enthused about whatever recipe you’re describing and appreciate knowing that it doesn’t always just “flow.” You are a terrific writer and have developed your very own unique style. You (and your wonderful hubby) are also excellent teachers and it’s nice to read any blog (this post is an example) that humbly instructs as well as entertains. The stories and glimpses into your life really do add a lot to your posts (I especially loved your posts from the Philippines!). Loving photography like I do, I am so impressed by your skills as a photographer, too. You’ve definitely got food photography down, but your portrait photos are outstanding, too. I don’t know how you manage to accomplish so much, but I just want you to know that I am very proud of you.

This was probably my favorite Pinch of Yum post! So happy I’m not the only one that sits in front of the computer with photos and a completed recipe while hearing crickets in my head. And usually what gets the creative juices flowing is, I always ask myself “What is the truth?”
I would love to see more posts on this topic. Hearing what the other bloggers had to say was helpful, too, and introduced me to some new blogs! So happy to find Bev Cooks – funny stuff!

“It’s like I sit down, get the recipe in there, have the pictures in place. Now, uh, what do I have to say? Yum. The End.” <– Story of my LIFE. Sometimes there really is no way to get the deliciousness of a recipe across. Apple needs to start working on a way to get smell and taste across a computer screen. That would solve so many of my problems.

But thanks so much for this post, Lindsay. I find the blogs that I enjoy reading the most are the ones where the blogger writes with their true voice and doesn't try to be someone or something that they're not. I generally don't even care if the post has nothing to do with the recipe itself as long as it's a pleasure to read, which yours always are 🙂

my writing style has changed over the years and with a lot of practice and after getting comfortable, I feel ok sharing my personal life with the readers. Its always nice to have a mix of personal voice along with recipes 🙂

I think you have a great mix of content. Personally, when I follow a food blogger, I (obviously) first come for the food, but I also like learning more about them as a person, hearing a bit about their life, and I have ZERO complaints when the odd post ventures into lifestyle blogging territory. I think it’s good to have a focus and to generally stick with it, but I also believe that readers are multi-dimensional and odds are, they are somewhat interested in life beyond just the food.

As you said, speaking naturally is the real key. I don’t like pretense or falsehood – I like it when I feel like I’m hearing the authentic voice of a real person. And those are reasons I really love your blog. 🙂

Funny you posted this, because I was just thinking about what to write for recipe posts! I came to the conclusion that it’s best to write whatever comes to your mind- that’s the most natural and the most like you! I am absolutely in love with your blog, especially your writing. Thanks for the help, Lindsay! 🙂

Just started a food blog recently and writing the post can definitely be the hardest. My problem tends to be that I am lit’rally ALL over the place and I just need to hone the h in on one (or two or three…) topics and just write!

Good to see that seasoned bloggers like you have the same problem sometimes 🙂

Lindsay, you are a rock star!!!!!! Like so many others, this is definitely something I struggle with ALLTHETIME. You do it so well, I thought you must have just been born with the touch 😉 These words of wisdom are priceless. Thank you!!

I so appreciate this post! Lately, it seems like it’s been a bit of a struggle for me to come up with new and clever things to say about my recipes…or food in general…so I really love your ideas.

When I wrote a food column for a local newspaper, I always found that personal stories got people. But they had to connect to the food, of course — and the food had to sound spectacular. That isn’t really groundbreaking, I know, but it’s my two cents 🙂

I have always loved your blog for the recipes, content and especially the photos! As a rookie, these are excellent tips. After diving right in, I am feeling more confident with telling stories. It’s great to hear perspective on this from other successful women bloggers. Thanks for putting this post together!

I really like this post Lindsay! Thank you!! Writing is not my strong forte and sometimes I just don’t share a recipe because I can’t think if what to say. And sometimes I go back to old posts and ask myself what was I thinking? Why would anyone want to read that? Thank you for these inspiring tips!! They will definitely come in handy 🙂

It’s funny because when I started my food blog I didn’t even consider that fact that I would have to come up with engaging and interesting content. I figured I would be taking photos and posting them along side the recipe. My first post consisted of a 3 sentence paragraph and my sister told me it was ok, but eventually I would probably start writing longer posts. I’ve never been great at writing and started to get a little nervous about what I had gotten myself into! But, sure enough, only 4 short months later, I’ve come to really enjoy the writing part. I definitely have my days where I can’t think of a single interesting thing to write, but I always make myself sit down and write something, anything, and although I usually end up deleting most it later, I almost always end up with one good point or fun story that I’m able to expand into a full post, that hopefully my readers find interesting! It is relieving knowing that we are all in the same boat and when I read your posts they sound so natural that I would never believe you struggled to come up with them! I’ll definitely be keeping this post to look back over, thanks for all you do to help other food bloggers out! 🙂

This was a great post! It really hit home with how I have been feeling lately. I go in good runs, I have a ton to put out there and I do, then the next minute, I feel like I spend 2 hours staring at my blank screen. Just found your blog, and totally looking forward to coming back 🙂

My blog is 3 plus years old which makes me like a ‘great aunt of bloggers’ 🙂 It took me quite awhile to figure out that nothing will sound right if I am not me! Even if I’m a bit ‘off color’ at times, and I am.
I usually try to talk about why I am posting this recipe is the first place – we all have tons of recipes on the back burner that we don’t use…how come this one made the cut? (okay, sometimes it’ s because the pic’s came out good 🙂 But there is a story behind every recipe!
Great post Lindsay – you have a great art of saying what we are all thinking and it’s much appreciated!
Kathi

For me this is a very timely post. I have been blogging just on a year and feel only recently that I am settling into my voice. I have information and knowledge I want to share but have struggled with trying to get it across, until I realised I was possibly trying too hard. One of the best pieces of advice I have read is to act as if you are in a conversation with your readers, and it is a conversation albeit a one sided one. Since taking this perspective I find the writing is easier but we all have those days when the words just will not come. Thanks for a great post. It is always nice to know you are not alone.

Lindsay, this is something I struggled with for years as a blogger. I could never write well enough to please my English teachers, so I thought I couldn’t write. Period. It took me over 2.5 years to finally overcome that, and somewhere around last summer, I finally found my voice. Around the same time, I realized how much I loved to tell the stories that always floated around in my head but somehow never found their way out through my mouth. Typing them was much easier, and when paired with a few tips and tidbits about the recipes I photographed, everything just worked. So happy for you that you’re comfortable with your writing, your voice, and your blogging style!!

Hey everyone! Man it’s nice to read everyone else’s comments and realize I’m not alone. Sometimes it’s so easy to just whip up a bunch of recipes for the sake of quantity over quality. The food blogs that stand out (Like PunchOfYum for example :)) really take the time and make every blog post perfect in their own style. That’s what it takes! Great tips Lindsay and Bjork,

This post came at a really great time for me. I’m struggling to establish my voice and figure out how to balance writing about food, since ultimately, I am a food blogger, and our travels in South Africa.

I think you and the other bloggers are right- authenticity is ultimately what’s key. I did write a whole post about what a pain in the but it was to get here, and it was one of my most popular.

I think this can be harder as a blogger who is trying to establish a following, like myself. If I’m authentic and the post gets no traction, is that a reflection of my story/writing/myself? Since most of these hits are coming from Foodgawker/Pinterest, are people here ultimately just to grab the recipe? Should I make the writing short for their sake?

Good things to think about Chelsea. I hardly wrote anything when I was first starting. Just a paragraph or two, and now I feel like my posts are sometimes excessively long. But at the beginning, you are building your audience and you are also building up the recipes on your blog, and I think that’s of foremost importance during that time. Nobody really knows you at that point in your blog, so what does it mean to them if you share about your life? It’s hard. I feel like the writing voice is something that develops naturally over time and you’ll naturally want to write more as your readers start to know you more (and as they want you to write more, too). 🙂 Bottom line – be real, be engaging, and let people know who you are without losing sight of the food if you want to keep it about food! 🙂